Judges

Bekka Bennett

Bekka is a graduate of the University at Buffalo. In 2008 she received her BA in Dance and History, graduating Summa Cum Laude in both fields. During her years at UB she was a Zodiaque Dance company member working with both local and world renowned choreographers. In 2006 she had the honor of performing for his holiness the Dalai Lama. After graduating she began teaching and choreographing all over the country. Her dancers and choreographic works have won many prestigious awards including a great deal of recognition for innovative and fresh choreography. Bekka has done both commercial and print work for Google. She was a founding dancer and choreographer for Buffalo’s contemporary jazz company ConvergeDance. Bekka is the founder of Progressive arts, a scientific approach to technique training and movement enhancement. She specializes in strength training, injury prevention, and kinesiology through the International Sports Sciences Association. She is also a certified Rhythm Works instructor which allows her to train dancers with individual learning differences and other special needs. Bekka is adjunct faculty at Nazareth College, traveling guest instructor and an adjudicator for Imagine National Dance Challenge

Haley Bjorn

Haley Bjorn is a professional dancer based in NYC. Haley spent two years dancing in the off-Broadway production Hypnotique at The McKittrick Hotel (home of Sleep No More), and was most recently seen performing in Broadway Christmas Wonderland in Tokyo. She earned her BFA in Dance from the University at Buffalo and is represented by Jim Keith at the Movement Talent Agency. She previously spent five years performing at sea with Norwegian Cruise Lines as a Featured Dancer/Dance Captain. 

As a dance educator, Haley is a fiercely passionate artist who seeks to inspire, support, and challenge her students to push the boundaries of what they can achieve. As a competitive dance adjudicator, she seeks to nurture the joy of upcoming dancers and remind them of the importance of a strong technical foundation. Haley is also a certified barre3 instructor in NYC, where she supports her clients by curating a space where all bodies can move with joy.

Jessica Falconer

Jessica Falconer is originally from Massachusetts where she grew up training in all styles, dancing competitively, and performing with a pre-professional modern dance company. After high school, she joined a prestigious training program, where she worked closely with top industry professionals such as Nijawwon Matthews, Christopher Huggins, Chris McCarthy, and many more. Jessica’s passion extended beyond her own pursuits– she found her true love for teaching children and coaching them to their fullest potential. Her love for teaching led her to serve as company director at Creative Dance Center in Virginia, where she mentored over 120 dancers, nurturing their growth and inspiring their love for dance. In 2021, Jessica fulfilled her dream of opening her own studio, The Movement Complex, in Boca Raton, Florida. Jessica continues to judge, guest teach and choreograph all over the US. Known for her emphasis on strong technical training and her ability to inspire confidence, Jessica is dedicated to helping dancers push their limits and achieve their fullest potential. “How you do anything is how you do everything. Show up with your best effort every time, and excellence will become your habit.